How to Tell if Your Loved One Has Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the only cause in the top ten that cannot be cured or reversed. Understanding the symptoms is key to early diagnosis, which can lead to a better quality of life for the patient and family as the disease progresses.

An estimated 5.5 million people are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States alone. Given its intractable nature, Alzheimer’s is difficult to identify with any certainty, especially when some of the symptoms can arise as part of the natural aging process or other conditions that mimic memory loss.

So, how do you tell if a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s, and what can you do when faced with a diagnosis? Associate Professor Maria Aranda provides some insight.

Internal and External Factors

There is no single diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s, nor is there a cure or any definitive certainty as to what age the neurocognitive disorder typically arises. Though Alzheimer’s is correlated with old age and is more commonly diagnosed among people in their 60s, 70s or 80s, recent research indicates that, by the time the disease expresses itself, any pathological changes to a person’s brain were already well underway.

Certain cerebral changes like plaque (masses or clumps of protein deposits) and tangles (microscopic build-ups of tau proteins) are often present in Alzheimer’s patients. However, people without other symptoms of Alzheimer’s may exhibit those same protein irregularities, so this should not be the sole factor on which a diagnosis is based. Dying brain cells and brain inflammation are also closely associated with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but again, these symptoms are not conclusive on their own.

A common misperception is that Alzheimer’s is strictly associated with genetics. In fact, most Alzheimer’s cases lack a clear hereditary or genetic link. Smoking, obesity and vascular diseases such as strokes can be contributing factors. That said, strokes are generally associated with vascular dementia, which is a separate condition from Alzheimer’s (but can occur in tandem). Generally speaking, poor health, limited access to preventative care and sustained, deleterious lifestyle practices can, but do not always, contribute to Alzheimer’s.

Signs to Look For in a Loved One

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s do not occur in isolation, so it’s important to take a comprehensive view before confirming a diagnosis. Remember that any of the following, occurring alone, may simply be a natural consequence of aging. But if multiple symptoms are present, and they occur consistently and to such an extreme as to disrupt a person’s life, they may signify an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.

1. Memory Errors

One early symptom — and perhaps the most well-known — is short-term memory loss. Learning new information or skills may become difficult, as might remembering dates, events or the locations of items. Individuals suffering from this effect may be overly dependent on note-writing or reliant on loved ones to fill in the blanks.

2. Inability to Problem Solve

Problem-solving is a skill intrinsic to daily functioning — even getting from Point A to B is a task that requires basic problem-solving. Seemingly mundane activities like cooking or balancing a checkbook may become difficult for a person with Alzheimer’s, even if it’s something they’ve done hundreds of times before. Everyone is susceptible to these lapses, but again, when someone’s executive function is impaired to the extent that it significantly disrupts daily life, this may be a sign of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Confusion and Decreased Judgement

Those with Alzheimer’s will lose track of dates and time, while also being unable to quickly differentiate monthly shifts (like May 31 to June 1). They may also struggle with “word finding,” or quickly recalling the appropriate word, in conversation or in writing. An Alzheimer’s sufferer’s judgment is also likely to become affected. They might rashly turn over a piece of property or make poor financial decisions, falling prey to telemarketing schemes and other forms of elder abuse. This may also manifest as poor judgment in social settings: using rude or inappropriate language or acting irrationally around others.

4. Personality Change and Withdrawal

With Alzheimer’s, one’s personality may shift from happy and vivacious to fearful and anxious. They may even become suspicious and paranoid. When behaviors, memory lapses and errors in judgment or speech begin to disrupt a person’s social life, they may begin to withdraw from society — even from social interactions with close friends and family.

How to Take Action

Once a person or his family or primary support system suspects the presence of memory loss, they should speak with a doctor as soon as possible. Although Alzheimer’s is irreversible and inevitably ends in death, an early diagnosis can provide a much better quality of life for all involved. A health care team can make sure family members know what to expect as the disease progresses and ensure important legal and financial decisions are made. They may also be able to pave the way for a patient to participate in clinical trials that may help mitigate the severity of symptoms. Lastly, precautions can be taken so the person does not fall victim to abuse or maltreatment from others.

Understanding the symptoms and how to interpret them can lead to an earlier diagnosis, which provides the opportunity to plan and take some control over your loved one’s life. If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s, don’t wait to take the next step: seek out a formal diagnosis from a medical professional.